Something has to give at Oriel Park as two six-match winning runs are put on the line tonight.

Both Dundalk and Derry City have been burning it up but Candystripes boss Kenny Shiels says the run has come at some cost as he deals with an injury crisis following Monday's victory against Bohemians.

Shiels, though, is keeping his cards close to his chest as his third placed side face the leaders on the synthetic Oriel surface - and he has hit out at suggestions that Derry's own run has been benefited by their own new plastic pitch.

"I have three players definitely out and a fourth extremely doubtful for the Dundalk game, but it would be of no benefit to Derry City for me to start listing names," Shiels said.

"We're on a great run and that is testament to a lot of people.

"It has been suggested that the Brandywell pitch has influenced our results but that is very unfair to the players, coaching staff and supporters who have all contributed to this effort.

"The reason that we have been playing well is down to the effort and preparation of our staff, the commitment and hard work of the whole squad and the magnificent support we receive from the people who back the team and create a magnificent atmosphere for the players.